Reimagined Article
"Islands": Drama on the Canaries starring Sam Riley
"Fuerteventura project turned out to be an additional advantage"
Interview with ntv.de
In a sun-soaked twist, Jan-Ole Gerster, a German director known for "Oh Boy" (2012) and "Lara" (2019), brings a fresh tale called "Islands" to our screens. Sporting an impressive lead role alongside the exotic backdrop of Fuerteventura, the Canary Islands, is English actor Sam Riley as a lonesome tennis pro with a glossy exterior. Yet, a mysterious turn of events sets the stage for an enigmatic adventure. The film is currently up for three Lolas at the German Film Awards.
ntv.de recently sat down with Gerster and Riley to discuss their experiences working in the tropical paradise, the movie's protagonist's descent, and the hauntingly beautiful score that ties it all together.
Sam, did you embrace the hot sun and sea for the first time on the Canary Islands before "Islands" shoot?
Sam Riley: My grandparents once planned a retirement on Tenerife. I visited them at age twelve, which was my only experience with the Canary Islands. Nonetheless, I finished the shoot with gratitude for the charming locale. I love sunny weather, but I'm not accustomed to it, having spent most of my vacations in dreary England. So, island life has a certain charm, and the experience was refreshing. But after eight weeks under the scorching sun, I craved the comfort of a thick winter coat and a frosty stroll around the Schlachtensee in cold Germany.
Jan-Ole, are you being drawn toward dramatic seaside settings? Fuerteventura was your idea, correct?
Jan-Ole Gerster: I have a weird fascination for places that stir my senses. With Fuerteventura, I found it a magical location at first glance. The backdrop is visually stunning, and there are sections that require a precise artistic touch. During a casual vacation, I became instantaneously smitten with a lonely tennis instructor, whom I observed for two weeks from my balcony. He spent hours playing tennis in the brutal sun, his monotonous routine echoing like a melancholic sound installation. As someone who is receptive to such figures, I felt inexplicably spellbound.
Did you two engage in a chat while in production? Or did you only observe him?
Gerster: I've never found it intrusive to engage in conversation with the people who inspire my work. In this instance, I had a brief discussion with the tennis coach, which only strengthened my character study. My interpretation of the character comes from a place of observing the inherent solitude, a version of escapism that is not healthy or sustainable.
Sam, what drew you to this role initially?
Riley: In addition to enjoying the stunning seaside setting, I was captivated by the movie's script. The narrative revolving around a man entangled in strange circumstances struck a chord with me, making Tom a compelling character I couldn't resist. Besides the tantalizing plot, I relished the prospect of being in every scene of the film, as an actor rarely experiences such a captivating opportunity.
Is your real-life persona closer to Dave or to Tom — the loveless loner or the disheartened playboy?
Riley: I share the commonalities between the two characters but find Tom to be more emotionally tangled. The sense of longing for something unattainable plagues both men, regardless of their living circumstances. It's a universal feeling that transcends present circumstances. Nonetheless, I am grateful for my personal relationships and seek to hold onto them with devoted affection.
Have you ever questioned the meaning of your life or sought greener pastures?
Riley: We all have moments when we ponder our life choices and ask ourselves if there's more to experience. But with age comes a sense of contentment, a realization that often, our most significant변수는 사État료 자신의 정신이오심이다. 현재, 내 삶을 위해 생기는 문제를 단호하게 동경하고 있다.
Is happiness just a thought away for you?
Riley: Happiness can elude us during challenging times. That's when it's essential to focus on the immediate moment, to find joy in everyday tasks. Nurturing the spirit of gratitude helps maintain contentment in life's ebb and flow.
What other onscreen characters do you envy?
Riley: Talking to my talented colleagues never fails to ignite a pang of envy. They constantly create stirring stories that enthrall audiences and leave me mesmerized. In the age of social media, it's tempting to compare our lives to the glamorous onscreen personas. However, one quickly realizes that their success doesn't equate to happiness in their private lives.
How did your relationship with Jan-Ole blossom?
Gerster: Sam Riley first caught my eye while acting as Ian Curtis in "Control." Over two decades ago, the performance was captivating, demonstrating great potential as a leading man. When I discovered he resided in Berlin, I knew the universe had provided the perfect opportunity. After a chance encounter, I knew our collaboration would be harmonious. Our shared interests, such as film and music, facilitated a smooth and creative partnership.
Sam, did Jan-Ole offer you the part right away, or did it take some convincing?
Riley: I never experienced an immediate job offer, but rather a series of courting. We enjoyed engaging conversations centered around movies, and our rapport grew stronger with each passing encounter. On the third meeting, we decided to play tennis! Our shared passion for the sport ultimately sealed the deal.
By the way, who won the tennis match?
Riley: Jan-Ole is a formidable opponent on the court. I am a humble admirer of his skills, as I've never wielded a tennis racket before.
Have you picked up the game since then?
Riley: My tennis prowess has improved since joining the production. Given the need for authenticity, the filmmakers paid for lessons, and I could sometimes practice alongside my young co-star (who plays Sam's onscreen son). My son still enjoys playing tennis, and our shared bond has consequently grown stronger.
The film's noir essence stands out, as the protagonist's complexities hint at a crime story, but the genre isn't strictly adhered to.
Gerster: Drawing audiences into an enigmatic world is crucial to storytelling. Sam Riley's performance is key to captivating viewers, breathing life into the ambiguous character while still portraying a figure striving to reconnect with his emotionally distant past. The movie's rich emotional layers are a testament to the power of acting and storytelling.
The script is predominantly English, with some German and Spanish sprinkled in.
Gerster: I have long enjoyed watching movies in their original language, and English is a dialect I find particularly intriguing. The English dialogue brings a unique cadence to the film, contributing to its overall rhythm. Additionally, English has a broader appeal, allowing the film to resonate with an international audience.
How did the assembly of the script occur?
Gerster: I collaborated with Blaž Kutin and Lawrie Doran on the script. As non-native English speakers, we spoke in a language we affectionately call "European English." This collaborative approach allowed us to create a foundation for the narrative. Once the initial draft was complete, Lawrie refined the script's linguistic finesse, ensuring its nuances were easily understood by English actors. While we worked together extensively, we never convened in a single location.
Gerster: The more time we spend together, the easier it becomes to communicate...but the less essential it becomes.
Sam, do you play any instruments?
Riley: Yes, I am a musician who constantly strums the guitar at home. I occasionally create original compositions but alternatively find joy in accompanying well-known tunes. I contemplate releasing some of my music, but I also adopt a more contemplative stance, savoring the act of making music purely for personal enjoyment.
With Jan-Ole Gerster and Sam Riley, Nicole Ankelmann conducted the interview.
Finding "Islands" in German cinemas near you
Tags: Film, Cinema, Drama, Canary Islands
Fun Fact
Fuerteventura's unique landscapes — from volcanic plains to beaches and desert-like areas — have made it an attractive location for film productions, with "American Star" being filmed there in 2024. However, productions may face challenges, as seen in the evacuation that occurred during the filming of "Eternals" due to the discovery of an explosive device in 2021.
Source: ntv.de
- Gerster and Riley revealed their experiences working together in the tropical paradise of Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, during the filming of the movie "Islands."
- Jan-Ole Gerster was drawn to Fuerteventura's stunning visuals and the mysterious figure of a tennis instructor he observed, which inspired the setting and character study for the movie.
- Sam Riley, in addition to enjoying the captivating script of "Islands," also appreciated the opportunity to immerse himself in the scenic backdrop of the Canary Islands.
- Sam Riley and Jan-Ole Gerster formed a harmonious partnership rooted in their shared interests, such as film and music, which facilitated a creative collaboration during the production of "Islands."
